I’ve always had a soft spot for hotels that come with a backstory. Like the kind that whisper of a city’s past rather than simply stand tall in glass and concrete.
A building that once was something else, an area with history, layers visible if one knows where to look -these are what make a stay feel like more than just “yeah it was a great hotel.”
From mining town to modern metropolis, KL’s story runs deep at Hyatt Centric KL. You’ll see hints of that tin-mining past in the hotel’s design, made up of a mix of industrial charm and contemporary style.
It’s a concept of raw textiles, metallic accents, earthy tones made warm enough through clever lighting and tactile finishes.
Adding a punch of personality to the hotel’s industrial vibe are graffiti pieces by local artist Jeff, who did a good job in bringing the streets of Malaysia indoors.
Inspired by the colourful murals found across KL’s back alleys and popular hangouts, his work bursts with life, culture and local attitude.
While graffiti often carries a reputation for being gritty or rebellious, Jeff’s art feels surprisingly clean and chic, like a polished take on street culture that fits seamlessly into the hotel’s modern design.
Adding to the hotel's unique charm, the hotel staff's uniforms are custom designed by Malaysian designer Melinda Looi, to give it that extra local twist.
Design with purpose
With 312 rooms and suites ranging from 25 to 34 square metres, the design ethos continues. It’s compact but contemporary.
The rooms play with textures: metal trims, timber tones and fabric panels that feel modern yet intimate.
Some come with private balconies overlooking the city skyline, others with views of the surrounding neighbourhoods that make you feel connected to the pulse of KL.
It’s not opulent in the traditional sense; you won’t find marble bathtubs or grand chandeliers here.
But you will find thoughtfulness such as intuitive layouts, comfortable beds, warm lighting, and design elements that subtly nod to Malaysia’s industrial heritage.
One of the hotel’s most eye-catching features is the Garden Spiral Staircase that windsits way outdoors between Level 19 and Level 21.
Painted in the bold colours of the Malaysian flag, it’s a fun nod to Kuala Lumpur’s tin mining days and a little reminder of where the city came from.
The design takes inspiration from the old shophouse staircases you’ll still find around town, giving it a nostalgic, almost cinematic feel.
But fair warning, this one’s not for the faint-hearted. There’s a bridge connecting the staircase with a portion of glass panels beneath your feet, letting you peek straight down to the street below.
Did I walk on the bridge? Of course not. I wasn’t brave enough to make it all the way across but for thrill-seekers, it’s definitely a must-try photo spot.
Eat and soak in the views
Food is a serious affair here, and not just in presentation. Hyatt Centric KL has managed to strike that sweet spot between design-conscious dining and genuine, from-the-heart flavour.
At Il Forno, the hotel’s Italian restaurant perched on the 19th floor, it’s all about honest food done beautifully.
The atmosphere alone feels like you’ve stumbled into a sleek little corner of New York City at night with its moody lighting, rich textures and a sweeping cityscape framed by floor-to-ceiling glass.
If you ever come here, try the Gamberi e Rucolapizza. It's a gorgeous medley of prawns, San Marzano tomato sauce,rucola, garlic, peperoncino and oregano paired with fluffy pizza dough.
The Diavola pizza, with its spicy beef salami, has that irresistible balance of heat and tomatothat keeps you reaching for another slice.
The Lasagna al Forno is good too. The oven-baked layers of homemade pasta, rich beef Bolognese, silky bechamel and a finishing snow of 18-month-aged Grana Padano melts into every bite.
For something lighter (but no less indulgent), the Calamari Fritti which is the crisp squid, prawns and zucchini with a garlicky aioli and a squeeze of lemon makes for the perfect appetiser.
But do take note, some dishes on the menu are cooked with white wine, you may request to exclude white wine from the dish.
Next, I had drinks (non alcoholic ones of course) over at the @21, the rooftop bar and pool lounge that truly knows how to show off the city.
The views here are incredibly picturesque. My family and I settled into one of the lounge seats, mocktails in hand and just soaked it all in while watching the lights from the buildings flicker to life against the night skyline.
I ordered the Exotic @ Centric, which is a refreshing concoction of watermelon, mint, white dragon fruit and lemon. It’s beautiful to look at (and very Instagrammable, if that matters), but fair warning: it’s on the sour side.
If you’re into tart, zesty drinks, this one’s for you. If not, maybe ask the bartender to sweeten it up a touch.
Breakfast at Il Forno turned out to be better than expected. The spread is big, generous, beautifully presented and full of personality.
There’s even a cheese wheel at the salad bar where you shave off as much as you please.
Fresh pancakes are made right in front of you while platters of smoked salmon with cream cheese bring a touch of morning luxury.
Of course, because this is Malaysia, you’ll find local favourites too: fragrant nasi lemak, spicy mee goreng and all the flavours that make breakfast here feel grounded in homegrown comfort.
Lunch at TanBuri was where things got interesting. The space itself strikes that balance between modern and cozy, with warm lighting and pops of bright turquoise that instantly lift the mood.
I started with the PrawnBuri, a fresh, zesty plate of cucumber, avocado, cherry tomato and mixed greens drizzled with Sriracha and mint mayonnaise. It’s light, punchy and just the right kind of spicy.
Then came the Tandoori Tiger Prawn with naan, smoky and perfectly grilled, with that deep, spiced flavour that clings to the edges and lingers long after.
To cool things down, I had a Strawberry Lassi, creamy and just sweet enough followed by a Mango Lassi. Both were smooth, refreshing and a nice counterpoint to the heat of the tandoori, but I preferred the Strawberry Lassi.
What struck me most about Hyatt Centric KL wasn’t just the design or the views but the way it tells a story. It’s a place that embraces its past while feeling entirely contemporary.
A few things to note: valet parking is a must here, as there’s no self-parking available so just plan that into your arrival.
And while the hotel nails it in terms of style and atmosphere, it’s not exactly geared towards families with small kids (no playroom or kid-friendly amenities).
Still, for couples, solo travelers, or anyone craving a stylish city break with a sense of place, Hyatt Centric KL hits all the right notes.
Room rates typically start at RM500+.